Ken Page, Voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dies at 70

Ken Page, Voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dies at 70

As a child of the 80s and 90s, Ken Page was an integral part of my formative years. His voice brought to life some of the most memorable characters from my childhood, from King Gator in All Dogs Go To Heaven to the unforgettable Oogie Boogie in Nightmare Before Christmas. However, it’s Oogie Boogie that will forever hold a special place in my heart, and his passing has left an indelible void.


Actor Ken Page, best known for his roles in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “All Dogs Go To Heaven,” has sadly passed away at the age of 70. This sad news was shared on social media this week by Dorian Hannaway. Many people who grew up during this era remember hearing a lot of Page’s work, as he played King Gator in “All Dogs Go To Heaven” and, of course, Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s classic film. However, before the days of VHS tapes, Page had already made a name for himself working extensively in Hollywood and on Broadway. The poignant song “Oogie Boogie’s Song” from “Nightmare Before Christmas” has touched many fans, and news of Page’s passing has been met with sympathy across social media platforms. Even the film’s composer, Danny Elfman, took to social media to express his condolences.

As a gamer, I’m still reeling from last night’s heartbreaking news. The incredible music-maker, who brought Oggie Boogie Man to life, has passed away suddenly. He was more than just a character voice actor; he was one of the kindest, most generous souls I’ve ever known. His spirit was vibrant and his joy infectious. Talented beyond measure, Ken will be deeply missed, my friend. Rest in peace, you left an indelible mark on us all. #OggieBoogieForever

In simple terms, Page deeply enjoyed portraying the character Oogie Boogie from Disney. His affection for this villain was so strong that he often returned to provide voice work for Oogie Boogie in various other appearances. This included live concerts and video games, among others. Whenever given the opportunity to say the words “Oogie Boogie” officially, Page was always ready for a performance. In 2014, Direct Conversations asked him how he came to play Oogie Boogie, and his response did not disappoint.

Ken Page, Voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dies at 70

Initially, the filmmakers were searching for a singer who could perform ‘Oogie Boogie’s Song’ in a style reminiscent of Cab Calloway or Fats Waller. They wanted an artist capable of embodying the vocal character. As it turns out, Ken Page was the perfect fit for this role, according to Page’s lawyer. The lawyer told Danny Elfman that there was no one else quite like Ken Page for this part since he had already played similar roles and embodied various creatures.

Page described his portrayal of Oogie Boogie as being a mix between Bert Lahr and the voice of the demon in ‘The Exorcist,’ specifically Mercedes McCambridge. He added this with a laugh, and when Danny and Henry reacted with “Wow — that’s wild,” he continued with his interpretation. Alongside the Cab Calloway and Fats Waller singing elements, this is how they created the character of Oogie Boogie.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Page’s family and friends at this time.

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2024-10-01 23:09